An Aberdeen survey of 129 retailers , for example, found that 38 percent of respondents are at some stage of integrating mobile into the in-store and overall retail experience. Meantime, a new research partnership between the Association for Interactive Media and Entertainment, the Internet Advertising Bureau and the Interactive Media in Retail Group – with input and support from mobile operator Orange in the U.K. — confirms that mobile commerce is top of the agenda for the vast majority of UK retailers and marketing professionals. TRANSACTIONS: The recent U.K. MORE >>

One major retailer has created a campaign with a QR code as it’s centerpiece and through their marketing efforts, they are educating more consumers about QR codes. Now that Macy’s, Calvin Klein, Ralph Lauren, and other mainstream brands and retailers have embraced QR codes in their marketing, the time is right to look into using them for your business. Others : Phone numbers for recorded message or SMS opt-in. Is it a video, opt-in for e-newsletters, opt-in of SMS texting, or special content that is only for a mobile landing page. Email messages or addresses. MORE >>

The holiday numbers are in, the mobile user surveys are done, and the implications for brands, retailers and marketers are profound. But it also lays the groundwork for strategies that enable brands (and retailers) to build up an opt-in customer database , an interaction they can cultivate by offering coupons and SMS alerts to consumers who genuinely want to hear what the brand has to say. The bottom line: mobile retail is a fact, not a fad. InsightExpress reports that mobile retail purchase intent is eight times higher than online retail purchase intent. MORE >>

Jennifer Lee, senior manager of the retailer and distribution practice, Deloitte & Touche , placed her bets on mobile’s “multiplier effect.” ” This entails having a “full view of a customer’s path to purchase for all channels and to have an integrated view on how mobile drives online and retail store purchases.” major global brand allocates approximately 70 percent of its mobile efforts to reach efforts that include SMS. ” And mobile loyalty and CRM will also move up the business agenda. That is a great example to follow. MORE >>

Heightened activity and interest in mobile retail (spurred on by holiday shopping and the rapid uptake of price comparison services and apps), has paved the way for a variety of new and immersive mobile experiences that insert marketing messages and campaigns into our daily shopping routines. However, only a handful of companies are prepared to compete where it really counts : at the point of inspiration, otherwise known as the retail shelf. Joe pointed out that vast majority ( 75 percent ) of purchase decisions are made in front of the retail shelf. What does Aisle 411 do? MORE >>